Marine mascot Chesty XIV becomes an NCO

The official Marine Barracks Washington Facebook page is announcing that Chesty XIV, an English bulldog who is the official mascot of the Marine Corps will pin on a second chevron Friday. That event will coincide with the weekly evening parade at 8th and I, a public demonstration of Marine Corps pomp and circumstance that typically includes a chance for Chesty to greet his adoring fans.

Screenshot from Marine Barracks Washington 8th & I Facebook page

Chesty should remember to keep his nose clean, though.

His equally jowly predecessor, Sgt. Chesty XIII, once received a demotion for snapping at then-Defense Secretary Leon Panetta’s dog, Bravo, during a parade event. Fortunately, he earned back his rank and retired honorably after a five-year career in 2013.

Like most Marine NCOs, Chesty XIV looks a bit aged by his tough Marine Corps service. For a look back at Chesty in his adorable puppy days, go here and here and here.

I kept the official base mascot at Twentynine Stumps in the early 70s. She was an English bulldog and was a Sgt E-5. So, she out ranked Chesty. She was kind of irritable at times, but for the most part behaved in front of the General and Sergeant Major. Semper Fi